Author: TomNorvell

Vol. 17 No. 45 | November 9, 2015

Psalm 108 begins with, “My heart is steadfast, O God;” My response: “No. It is not!”

How can I say my heart is steadfast? Steadfast means, “resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.” That is not my heart.

My heart is far from “resolutely firm.” My heart wavers constantly. Oh, sure there is a part of my heart that constantly longs to know God and express my love for Him. But, that longing is easily distracted by life’s demands, life’s problems, life’s temptations, life’s struggles, and life’s pleasures. How easy it is to say “I love You, Lord” one moment and in the next moment express something completely different.

The heart regarded as the center of a person’s thoughts and emotions, especially love or compassion. How can I say my heart is steadfast? Oh sure, my heart’s desire is to love people, all people and help them know and understand the love the Father has for them, but how quickly I forget to, or choose not to, express that love to the person who has annoyed me, interrupted me, criticized me, betrayed me, or simply ignored me. How quickly I fail to show compassion to the  person who disagrees with my point of view or disappoints me.

My heart is far from dutifully firm. Oh, I dutifully obey the rules.  I dutifully fulfill my expected role(s). I dutifully perform my assigned tasks. I dutifully keep my commitments. But my heart seems far from dutifully firm. Another person’s actions or lack of action can result in a heart that easily gets discouraged.

My heart is far from unwavering. Oh, I have my moments or seasons when my heart stays constantly focused where it should be…seeking the Lord. And there are times when though my heart suddenly veers off track due to some unexpected interruption or some intentional departure of my own. But, to be unwavering consistently enough where I could say, “My heart is unwavering” is a stretch.

When I read the words of the Psalmist I am a bit envious and at times disappointed in my resolve because must admit that I do not always “sing and make music with all my soul.” I do not always “praise you, Lord, among the nations.” Or “sing of you among the peoples.”

But then I read verse 4: “For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” And verse 11: “Is it not you, God, you who have rejected us.”And verse 13: “With God we will gain the victory.”

After the complete reading I understand better than even though my heart is not always “steadfast,” the Lord is steady. When I am wavering He is fighting with me and for me. When I am not dutifully firm, God is solid and standing with me and for me and will help me stand firm.

The only excuse I have for not having a steadfast heart is my weakness as a human being. The only hope I have for ever having a steadfast heart is You, O God, who will “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.” And who will ‘“Save us and help us with your right hand.”

I long for my heart to be steadfast, O God.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 44 | November 2, 2015

As I write this I am sitting in a coffee shop while outside the areas around me are being flooded by downpours of rain and heavy storms are pounding the region. There are reports of streets flooding, intersections closed, and wind damage. Parents are concerned about their children and their schools. Commuters are looking for alternate routes to get home and to work. Flood and tornado victims are evaluating the damages and dealing the with the shock of yet another unexpected weather system. As I sit here I am reminded of the reality that there is absolutely nothing I can do about any of it.

Around the world today, and on any given day, the threat of terrorism creates fear and paralyzes communities. Even in areas that would normally be considered low risk for terrorists attacks are reminded daily that nobody is safe. Major power brokers keep other major power brokers constantly on alert with threats of the use of nuclear weapons. As I listen to the warnings I am reminded of the reality that there is very little, if anything, that I can do about any of it.

Our cities are filled with growing homeless populations, deteriorating neighborhoods, and staggering numbers of children left to manage life for themselves. Statical studies on the rate of marriages that end in divorce seems to be growing with little indication of slowing down. Families are in crisis. Husbands and wives often work at least one job, sometimes two or more doing all they can to get their bills paid and reduce their level of debt. I read and hear those stats and realize how limited I am at making even a small dent in the trends.

People get sick. I can do nothing about it. People die. I can do nothing about it. People are abused, violated and murdered. I can do nothing about it. Churches split. I co do nothing about it. Children go to bed hungry and alone tonight. I can do nothing to alleviate that massive numbers. Families will lose their retirement because of unwise investments or gambling addictions. I can do nothing to prevent it. Women and children will fill shelters tonight because of abusive husbands and fathers. I feel helpless.

When I see more things that I cannot control than things that I can control, I reflect on portions of Psalm 31 (especially verse 14-15) where David reminds us of his desperate situation and where he turned for comfort.

Psalm 31 (NIV)

1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.
3 Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hands I commit my spirit;
deliver me, Lord, my faithful God….
9 Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress;
my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
my soul and body with grief.
10 My life is consumed by anguish
and my years by groaning;
my strength fails because of my affliction,
and my bones grow weak….
12 I am forgotten as though I were dead;
I have become like broken pottery….
14 But I trust in you, Lord;
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in your hands;
deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
from those who pursue me….
19 How abundant are the good things
that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all,
on those who take refuge in you.
20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them
from all human intrigues;
you keep them safe in your dwelling
from accusing tongues….
23 Love the Lord, all his faithful people!
The Lord preserves those who are true to him,
but the proud he pays back in full.
24 Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the Lord.

Those words remind me that it is not necessary for me to be in control, because God is in control. He may or may not do things the way or as quickly as I might prefer, but that is His choice. It is His world. He did create it. We are His people. He did create us. He can do as He chooses. My life reflects that His default choice is for my good, not for my harm. Most of the time I can rest easy with that thought.

A second thought that comes to mind in times when it seems I have no control, is that the only thing I really need to control is me. My thoughts. My words. My actions. My life. My attitude. And of those things the only one that I ultimately can actually is my attitude. Other people or things might alter my thinking. My words can be misinterpreted. My actions can be limited or mis understood. My life can be altered or taken from me. But my attitude is mine to choose regardless of my circumstances and the world around me. My attitude can and does determine how I perceive the thoughts, words, actions and life of those around me.

Consider Paul’s words in Philippians 4: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (4-9, NIV)

I cannot control everything, but I can control my attitude. That’s where I’ll start.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 43 | October 26, 2015

Ten years older she was always there. When a bigger kid on the school bus did what today would be considered bullying, she came to my rescue. When our mother died as a young woman she accepted the role as the matriarch of our family at a very early age. Although physical stature would provide no evidence to prove it, Genia was my big sister.

To her husband for over fifty years she was his wife. Devoted to him and his family she stood by him, with him and times when it was necessary she stood for him. She loved him, honored him, served him, and was loved, honored and served by him. Together they provided assurance that marriages can last, that faithfulness is not old fashioned, and genuine servanthood is possible.

To her two children she was their mother. She loved them unconditionally, taught them, talked to them, guided them, comforted them, cared for them, showed them how to live and helped them understand what it means to be a parent. They loved her, listened to her, followed her guidance, appreciated her comfort and care, and learned about life from her.

To three she was their grandmother. She loved them with an everlasting love. She praised them. As she did with her two children she talked when she need to talk and listened when she needed to listen, prayed constantly, and reminded them often how proud she was of them.

To a seemingly endless number of people she was their Bible teacher. Through Sunday School classes, private conversations, cards and letters, email and even texting she shared the Word and messages of hope and encouragement. Along with being a Bible teacher she was a faithful and passionate prayer warrior. It would interesting to know how many times in her seven-two years she promised someone, “Well, I will be praying for you.” When she promised it, she would do it.

To some she was a writer. She published a few articles and poems and I suspect wrote much more that none of us have ever read. She did not make a big deal out of and she preferred that others not make a big deal about it either. Not surprising!

To those who worked with her she was known as a hard worker, a reliable worker, and a trusted employee. If she said she would do it, she did it, or explained why she could not. If she accepted the job the work got done.

To more people than can be counted she was known as friend. She had life-long friends. Not just acquaintances! New friends became real friends. She was genuine. She was authentic. She was open. She was honest. She was real. She was spiritual. She was fun.

To some she was a cousin, or a niece, or a sister-in-law, or a mother-in-law, or a neighbor, or a church member. The list of descriptive words that could be attached to all those titles would include all those already used plus: devoted, intelligent, responsible, and caring. She was known for her deep and passionate love for the people she called family.

To my own children, and the children of my two brothers, she was a substitute grandmother. We celebrated many Christmas in her home. When my two children were born she was the first person I called. When she could she attended their graduations and weddings. Most of us celebrated very few birthdays without receiving a card from her. At Christmas time she would ship us a package containing her sweet treat specialties: fudge, peanut butter fudge, and divinity. Sometimes I shared it with my children and few special friends.

Genia was all these things to all these people. Genia was known for her laughter, for her generosity, for her kindness, for her wisdom, for her faith and her faithfulness, for her loving nature, and for her passion to know God. As I grew up I watched her as she matured as a wife and mother, then a grandmother. I listened as she talked about our parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins and neighbors and friends of our family. I was the recipient of her prayers and encouraging words.

In some ways, I suppose some would say she stepped in as a substitute mother for me during my teenage years, but mostly she was my big sister. My big sister who has always been there. My big sister who has always assured me that I am loved. My big sister who I could call, or write, or text, or email anytime I needed and share whatever was in my heart. My big sister who often, more often than seems possible, who understood my frustrations with life and people and church because she shared those same frustrations with life and people and church.

Genia was many things to many people, but she was my big sister. In the quiet of the funeral home chapel I stood by her casket shortly before her memorial service and told her, “I know you are now in a much better place and I am glad for you, but I sure am going to miss you.” I do. And I will. She was my big sister.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 42 | October 19, 2015

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. (Romans 8:26–27, NIV84)

Aren’t you glad that you have the Spirit to help you in your weakness? On those days when fatigue has robbed you of the strength to function the Spirit helps you do what needs to be done. During those nights when your mind is so active that sleep escapes you the Spirit calms your spirit and allows you to rest. During those seasons of life when confusion and frustration characterize you more than any other words the Spirit helps function in ways you cannot understand, and often do not realize.

Aren’t you glad that when you don’t know what to pray that you have the Spirit to intercede for us? When your marriage is facing a crisis unlike any you have ever imagined the Spirit intercedes for you with groans that you cannot express with words. When your child is hurting and you are completely helpless to relieve their pain the Spirit intercedes for you with groans that expresses your feelings that your words are incapable of doing. When the members of your medical team explain that there is nothing more they can do the Spirit intercedes for you to express the agony that words are incapable of expressing.

Aren’t you glad that when you are having trouble understanding the will of God the Spirit intercedes for you to help you understand His will? When you are years into your profession but unclear if this is what you were placed here on earth to do, the Spirit intercedes for us in accordance with God’s will. When life changes faster than we can comprehend the Spirit intercedes for us in accordance with God’s will. When we search the Word for answers, constantly approach God’s throne seeking wisdom, and wait in patient expectation for God to reveal His plan the Spirit intercedes for us in accordance with God’s will.

There are times in life when search for answers and find none. There are times in life when decisions confound us. There are times in life when people frustrate us. There are times in life when the future frightens us. There are times in life when the past haunts us. There are times when we simple do not know what direction to turn. There are times in life when we want to quit. There are times in life when nothing makes sense. There are times in life when we realize we are blessed beyond anything we could have ever imagined and cannot understand.

During all those times take comfort in knowing that, “…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

 

Vol. 17 No. 41 | October 12, 2015

You wake up one morning and step outside and realize it is Spring.
The air is clear.
The temperature is warmer.
There is a sweet fragrance in the air.
The birds are letting you know they have a new song to sing.

You wake up one morning and step outside and realize it is Summer.
The air is thick.
The temperature is hot.
The humidity is high.
The grass has a crunch, you begin to sweat and think, “This is a bummer.”

You wake up one morning and step outside and realize it is Fall.
The air is fresh.
The temperature is cool.
The humidity is low.
The breeze stirs the leaves that are turning colors and it is time for football.

You wake up one morning and step outside and realize it is Winter.
The air is cold.
The temperature is low.
There is ice in the forecast.
You bundle up snug, rush to your car, and think about chili for dinner.

God woke up the mornings, the seasons, and days.
The days are all different.
The mornings are all new.
The seasons are all unique.
He designed each to be special and cause us to marvel His ways.

With the world in full motion, in the fullness of time He came here to dwell.
To bring us new life.
To bring us new truth.
To bring us a new way.
So His Kingdom has come to bring us hope, and life, and show all is well.

His Kingdom is as diverse as the seasons, all colors, all races, all ages, all people, is inclusive, is welcoming, is open to all.

With God’s love for differences in all He has created being so obvious, maybe we would do well to develop a love for differences as well. That just makes good sense.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

 

Vol. 17 No. 40 | October 5, 2015

Just suppose we took Jesus seriously and did what He said.
5 “Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.”

He said in verse 3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Just suppose we accepted that we are poor in spirit and admitted we are nothing without Him, that we are powerless without Him, and lived as though everything depended on Him, and not on us.

He said in verse, 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Just suppose we acknowledged that our losses, our suffering, our disappointments, and our sorrow over the lost…all the things that cause us to mourn…would be restored and we will be comforted by the Comforter, and lived fully with that knowledge.

He said in verse 5, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
Just suppose we believed that and did not worry about gaining control and keeping control of the people in our circle of influence or the world around us and lived in full assurance that His power is what we need, that His strength is all we need, then lived knowing that knowing that He is now and will always provide for our needs.

He said in verse 6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Just suppose hungered more Jesus and His Word, and thirsted more to be righteous like He is righteous, then allowed Him to fill us, and stopped trying to fill those empty spaces inside us with things that will not satisfy.

He said in verse 7, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Just suppose we stopped thinking about revenge and getting what we think we deserve and started showing mercy to people, then enjoyed and lived in appreciated of the mercy He has shown us and is showing us.

He said in verse 8, “Blessed are the pure in heart,for they will see God.”
Just suppose we focused on keeping our hearts pure and rejoiced as we begin to see and understand God more clearly.

He said in verse 9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Just suppose we became peacemakers, not just peace lovers, and began tearing down walls and building bridges to such an extent that we are recognized as children of God.

He said in verse 10, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Just suppose Just suppose when someone treats us poorly because of our relationship to Jesus loved and blessed our persecutors and enjoyed the fact that we are doing kingdom work.
Just suppose we allow the mind and nature of Jesus Christ to invade our mind and our nature. We do not have to wonder what would happen, He tells us, we become salt and light.

He said in verse 13, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”

He said in verse 14, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Just suppose this really happened.

I think that is Jesus had in mind when He said,
“This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one,
for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 39 | September 28, 2015

One of my favorite walking trails takes me through a parcel that was once woods and farm land, then a golf course, and now green space. (I’ve written other articles about this place.) One of my favorite parts of the trail passes between two ponds. Like other parts of this tract of land that have provided points for reflection and observation since the closure of the golf course the two ponds remind me of life choices we make on a regular basis: we can choose to survive or we can choose to thrive. (I invite you to listen to Casting Crowns “Thrive” as you read.)

As I walk I see the pond on the left first. Although there may be good reasons, even healthy reasons for a pond to be covered with algae like this one. I am neither a pond-oologist nor an algae-ologist, but most of the time I have every heard algae being discussed it has been in reference to a pond, pool, or stream and in the context of “how do I kill it or get rid of it?” Never in the context of “Ooooh. Isn’t that lovely!” Other than an occasional confused turtle or wandering heron, I rarely see much life in or near this pond. It is as if the pond is in survival mode. Waiting for something to happen to change the course of it’s existence.

On the other side of the path I see another pond. This one seems to be thriving. Turtles love this pond. They are often seen swimming and sunning on rocks or logs in the pond. Birds of all kinds flit around looking for food. Apparently fish enjoy this pond as well because the bank is often populated by the hopeful fisherman. the water is clear and clean. It seems that breeze is almost always blowing across this pond.
Again, I do not know the reason for the different of these two ponds separated by only a short distance (maybe 40-50 feet), and actually connected to some degree by a culvert underneath the road. I do not know the reason, but I see the reality.

So, here is the application. If your life were represented by one of these two ponds, which would it be? Are you just surviving, or are you thriving?

Are you feeling covered up by “stuff”? Do you feel that the very life of you is being choked out of you by unhealthy influences around you, or in you? Do you feel like you are being overrun by people and events that drain the life out of you? When other people are with you do they go away drained and discouraged?
Are you feeling alive? Are you living each day in the knowledge that You are God’s child and that His Spirit is living in and though you? When people are with you do they go away feeling refreshed and hopeful?

Consider these two passages from John’s Gospel.

The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? (John 4:9-11, NIV)

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. (John 7:37-39, NIV)

We have a choice in how we live. We have a choice in the what we offer to others. I pray that this week I will choose to in such a way that rivers of living water will flow from within me.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 38 | September 21, 2015

Even though at one point he had a huge following it was not because he asked for it, it was not because he demanded it, and it was not because he made any effort to get noticed. He just went about doing good. He healed some people. He comforted some people. He even bought a few people who had died back to life. He did not boast about it. He did not do any of the things there were normal for a rising start.

He perplexed some of his followers by staying in the shadows. They encouraged him to develop a better public relations plan. They chastised him for not making more public appearances. They assured him that if he was to have the impact they wanted him to have he would need to improve his street credibility. He ignored their suggestions and went about doing good.

He refused to make himself a bit deal. Once when he healed a man with leprosy (Matthew 8:1-4), then told him not to tell anyone.

When he healed the centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5-13) he did not need to go to make a scene of it. He simply said the word and the servant was healed.

When he healed Peter’s mother-in-law he did not make a big deal of it. “He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.” (Matthew 8:14-15)

When he did something big he did it in such a way that, except for the people involved, it did not seem like it was a big thing. When he did go out into the light he did it quietly.

In John 9 when he healed the blind man he did not call attention to what he did. A little spit. A little mud. The man goes on his way. When later asked who it was that healed him, the man said he did not know. He could have announced what he was doing, but he did not. He could have followed the once blind man around giving interviews and signing autographs, but he did not.

When he died he did not, although some who were close to him, and some who had followed him, were sad. But for the most part his death attracted very little attention and required no fanfare. Between two thieves he bowed his head and said, “It is finished.”

He did not need the attention. He avoided it. He did not to be recognized. He seemed to enjoy being unrecognized. His life modeled and his teachings encourage a life lived in quietness, simplicity, and obscurity. Live the life. Take care of people. Love one another. Be quiet about it. Let the Father receive the glory.  When it is all over make it a quiet departure.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 37 | September 14, 2015

You have probably been in one of those situations with a group of friends, family, or co-workers when the conversation shifts from the usual surface talk to something more serious. There may be a pause, or one of those awkward silences when people begin to look at the clock to see if it is twenty minutes past or twenty minutes before the hour.

It is awkward because you know it is the perfect time to raise the conversation from the ordinary to the extraordinary. You can go back to “Did you see that game?” or you can say something like “Hey, can I share something I read in the Gospel of John the other day?” If you choose the first you will get more of the same. If you choose the latter you may get that  uncomfortable silent reaction which might be translated, “Did he really just say that?”

These awkward uncomfortable moments probably come and go more often than we realize because we are so accustomed to allowing the opportunities to pass. It is so easy to keep the conversation light and fluffy so that no one feels judged, is put on the spot, or made to feel the slightest bit uneasy. So, we talk about the weather. We talk about sports. We talk about work. We talk about the children. We may even talk about our church, what is good, what is bad, what we like, and especially we do not like.

We justify and rationalize our action or lack of action by saying we do not want to be seen as too serious or too religious or too rigid or too holy or to this or too that. We justify and rationalize by quoting the one passage we remember from Ecclesiastes: “Do not be over righteous, neither be over-wise — why destroy yourself?” (7:16). We justify and rationalize then we beat ourselves up for missing the opportunity.

Maybe there is a better way. Peter said this, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15,19, NIV)

“Always be prepared.” Maybe we shy away from this passage because we assume to always be prepared to give an answer means we have all the answers. That is not the point of the passage. We are to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that we have. There is an assumption: we have hope. Since we have hope, be ready to tell people. Since we have hope, and since we have a reason for our hope, why not break the silence sometimes by sharing the hope that we have. Since we have hope, and since we have a reason for our hope, why not transform the conversation from the mundane to the spiritual.

Will it be awkward? Yes, at times. Will be strange? Yes, at times. Will some people wish you would have let conversation stay on the surface? Yes, some will. Will it be worth the awkwardness? Yes. Will it change the dynamic of your group? Yes. Will it make the conversation be more memorable and meaningful. Absolutely!

When you find yourself squirming in your seat because you sense that awkward moment is approaching, be ready. Think about something you have been reading (something worth sharing). Be ready to share it. Then, share it. The awkwardness will pass.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 36 | September 7, 2015

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In a section of teaching to the Thessalonian Christians (1 Thessalonians) Paul is describes his ministry. Typical in his writing he begins by expressing his love for them and offering his encouraging praise of their faithfulness to the Lord’s teaching and for the lives that have been formed from that relationship. In chapter two he share some of his personality as he describes the way he ministered to this “chosen” group.

In chapter 2, verse 8 he says, “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you were so dear to us.” This passage and a sequence of recent reminders bring to mind those God has placed in my life who loved me so much, that they shared not only the gospel of God with me but were delighted to share their lives with me as well.

There are those people in my family who prayed for me in my early years, before I even knew them, that God would “deliver me from evil” and lead me in the ways of righteousness. When I was way to young and uninformed to grasp or appreciate it they were committed to pour into me words of life and hope and love and peace. As I grew they began to share their lives with me as well.

I see the faces of men and women who took the time to listen to my struggles, understand my fears and doubts, and tolerate my shortcomings. They apparently saw something in me they thought was worth nurturing. They shared with me the Truth, but they also were delighted to share their lives.

I hear the voices of men and women who cared enough about me that they talked with me honestly and at time brutally words that kept me on the right path and seeking things deeper than the things on the service. They were not afraid to confront me, nor were they hesitant to accept me.

I remember conversations where men and women shared wisdom gained through facing challenges, overcoming obstacles and holding true to their promises. They generously shared their life experiences and offered assurance hope for moving forward.

I feel the hands that were placed on my shoulder by men and women expressing their concern for me, comforting me, and reminding me that I am never alone. They shared their lives with me because I was so dear to them.
Now, it is my turn. What I have received needs to be passed on to those who are following in my footsteps. The words that encouraged me and helped shape my life need to be shared with those who need encouragement and are trying to find their place in the Kingdom.

Because I was so dear to them they were delighted to share their lives with me. Because there were people who considered me so dear to them they were delighted to share ideas, experiences, wisdom and understanding from their lives that have proven to be invaluable to me. Now, because there are people who are so dear to me, I am delighted to share my life, ideas, experiences, wisdom and understanding that hopefully will prove invaluable to other.

I am thankful for those who considered me dear to them, and I am thankful that the Lord has placed people in my life who are very dear to me and that causes me to be delighted to share my life.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.